Right-handed starting pitcher Luis Severino has been the New York Yankees’ biggest weak link this season. Since coming to the Bronx in 2015, Severino seemed a promising young talent with loads of potential. However, injuries and inconsistency marred his growth as a pitcher. And this year has been the worst of all.
In 13 starts this season, Luis Severino has recorded an 8.06 ERA in 63.2 innings pitched. Moreover, things have gotten worse in the past few weeks, where the pitcher has looked completely off. His pitches are directionless, and the execution has been even worse. While fans demand his immediate ouster, the Yankees are not ready to give up on the impending free agent just yet.
Aaron Boone Confirms Luis Severino’s Next Start Vs. Braves On Tuesday
Luis Severino survived a massive scare as he retained his rotation spot following an injury to starter Carlos Rodon. Still, he missed his scheduled start on Wednesday vs. Chicago White Sox as the pitcher came out of the bullpen to relieve opener Ian Hamilton. The move was apparently designed to end Severino’s first-inning struggles. However, the move backfired as the right-hander leaked five runs and lasted mere two innings. Naturally, the fan’s frustration reached its peak as they demanded his immediate ouster from the rotation. However, the Yanks seem stuck with Severino as they are unable to get rid of him due to unforeseen circumstances. On Friday, Bronx Bombers placed starter Nestor Cortes on 15-day IL with left rotator cuff strain which further depleted the rotation depth.
As a result, due to a lack of strong arms, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Luis Severino’s next start. The pitcher is scheduled to open against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. It’s more of a desperate move, as the club is running out of options. However, the Yankee fans are unable to wrap their heads around this as they seemingly rejected Boone’s plans. The fan base thronged social media to protest Severino’s tentative start. They feel Luis on the mound is equivalent to a loss. He is in the worst form of his career and cannot get better, no matter how hard the management tries. Having said that, things could change. Right-handed relievers Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez are present in the bullpen if the skipper has a change of heart.
Yankees Struggling Starter Mentally Fatigued With Repeated Trashing
The constant criticism and public scrutiny are never easy to deal with. Yankees pitcher Luis Severino is certainly feeling the heat. After repeated poor outings, Severino was quoted saying that he feels like the worst pitcher in the world. Moreover, after Wednesday, the pitcher admitted to enduring the worst seasons of his baseball career.
Luis Severino’s disheartening statements suggest that the pitcher is dealing with mental fatigue. His head is not in the right place. The Yankees management must look into it and provide necessary assistance. The pitcher’s mental and physical health should be the club’s top priority. The rest can be taken care of afterward. All things said and done, Severino will most probably return to the mound next week as injuries continue to grapple the team’s pitching staff.